From: Doyle, Terrence M
To: jmkincaid@aol.com
Sent: Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:06 am
Subject: RE: Blog Entry
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The story as to why I was "harvesting" sand at that spot is a tad complicated, but worth following the string.
Both Andrew and I are devoted fans of
Saving Private Ryan; the day before the picture was taken on Dog Green Omaha (I will bring the Ambrose book with me to show you when I give you your sand), we were both at Coleville-sur-Mer (the National Cemetery we have in Normandy for our D-Day dead) to hear the president speak; it was the 60th anniversary of the landing: June 6, 2004. it was there he took the picture of TR juniors [editor's note: General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.] grave that I think I had already sent to you.
Andrew and I rented a car the next day and drove back to Omaha. My objective was to get some sand from that part of the beach the most closely approximated where the 2nd Company Rangers landed (Dog Green); basically, where Tom Hanks gets off the boat in
SPR. Andrew though I was much too close; I disagreed, dropped to my knees, and started digging what was eventually about 15 pounds of sand (yeah, I know, I'm a lunatic!). He marched out further into the Channel, announced in a very loud voice that I was still too close and should be digging here (as in where he was standing), then took the picture.
What is so cool about this, now that you know the story, is that not only is it a great photo taken by my son (a little of dad's pride showing here), but it captures an argument amongst the Doyle men. I still think I'm right (we watch
SPR a couple times a year); he remains unpersuaded.
I am not a re-enactor. I am an enthusiast, and have given numerous "staff rides" (battlefield tours) to various groups over the years. Actually, my favorite war for battlefields is the American Revolution, but with Gettysburg and Antietam near by, it's hard not to be seduced by the Civil War. The fact that I taught Strategy and Policy at the Naval War College when I was young and had hair has nothing to do with this.
Joe Doyle [Editor's note: Terry's dad] did not land at Normandy, unlike your grandfather. He was back in Newark, NJ, probably in freshman year of high school, as he had just turned 15 on the 29th of March. But since I know he is aware of your compliment from his current lofty perch, he is both flattered and amused.
I am a contractor who works for the Department of Defense... I currently work for ManTech at this place called (no kidding!) Stump Neck Annex; my last day will be Friday, 31 Oct. On 03 Nov I will start to work for The Analysis Group (TAG-LLC) as an analyst on the Headquarters, Air Force Staff.
Your most humble and obedient servant,
T. Doyle
Pieces o' Eight
Millificent the Dragon from Sleeping Beauty
Group shot of some of the pumpkins.
Another group shot.
Detail from the window above the altar.
One of the many windows on the south side of the church.
Confessional
Stairs to/from the choir loft.*
Detail of woodwork, looking up toward the choir loft.
Organ and pipes in the choir loft.
Light fixture from the choir loft.
One of four chapels in the sanctuary. Note a hint of the altar on the right.
Farragut North Metro Station : Red Line : Washington, D.C.
Morning Glory in the Morning Sun : Alley Behind My House : Washington, D.C.
Close : Brightwood Park : Washington, D.C.
